Canadian Brownfields Network will link stakeholders to speed redevelopment

The Canadian Urban Institute and aboutREMEDIATION.com last week announced the creation of the Canadian Brownfields Network (CBN), a national network for brownfield practitioners and stakeholders.

The network will build on recommendations from the National Round Table on the Environment and Economy's report, National Brownfield Redevelopment Strategy for Canada, as well as a recommendation made by federal MP Dennis Mills in his just-released report, Toronto Waterfront Action Plan: Building on the Green Footsteps (see story, pg XX).

Operating on the premise that progressive thinking and effective approaches to revitalizing Canadian communities are key components of sustainable community development, the CBN's objective is to accelerate brownfield redevelopment in Canada, thereby improving a community's environmental and economic performance.

As a forum for communication and discussion, the CBN will foster links and connections, build capacity, and coordinate the exchange of ideas, expertise and success stories. It will also form strategic alliances with industry associations and other organizations that have a vested interest in brownfield redevelopment in Canada. Current supporting organizations include: the Ontario Environment Industry Association (ONEIA), the Canadian Environmental Auditing Association (CEAA), the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI), CRESTech and R...SEAU environnement.

Under the direction of an advisory panel headed by Angus Ross of L&A Concepts, who is also chair of the NRTEE National Brownfield Redevelopment Strategy Task Force, the CBN, with representation from across Canada, will co-ordinate national interests and strengthen the Canadian brownfields industry.

"The formation of the Canadian Brownfields Network is exactly the step recommended by the NRTEE's strategy and I am delighted that the challenge has been met so rapidly by the private sector-a key player in remediating Canada's brownfield sites." Ross said. "In conjunction with private and government partners at all levels, the CBN is clearly positioned to spearhead Canadian brownfield redevelopment," he added.

The non-profit Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) works to enhance the quality of life in urban areas across Canada and internationally (www.canurb.com). The aboutREMEDIATION Web site is a comprehensive on-line resource which promotes urban sustainability and brownfields redevelopment in Canadian communities. It is operated by the Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA) in partnership with EcoLog Information Resources Group (www.aboutREMEDIATION.com).